Clinton Co. confirms sixth case of rabies

Health officials urge pet owners to vaccinate

The Clinton County Health Department confirmed they've had half a dozen cases of rabies this year.

The latest was a skunk found in Keeseville, which health officials said tested positive for the disease.

Five raccoons and skunks, mostly in the southern section of the county, have tested positive for rabies since August. Rabies is most commonly found in skunks, raccoons and foxes.

Earlier in the year, a bat also tested positive, but officials said that's an unrelated type of rabies.

Health officials said it's common for some diseases to show up in cycles.

They also say the public is most at risk of contracting the rabies from their own pets, so they recommend all pets get vaccinated for rabies. They also said it's important to teach children to stay away from wild animals.

Clinton county officials ask the public to report any animals acting strange or overly aggressive.